Rain wheel

ABSTRACT

The Rain Wheel is a water or other liquid sprinkler with selective part or full circle liquid spray coverage. Rotation is accomplished by the combined effect of a turbine type blade wheel, rotating about an eccentric axis. Full or part circle coverage is accomplished by mechanically sequencing a shuttle into the liquid jet stream resulting in hydraulically switching the cradle and wheel across the jet stream so that the jet impinges upon the opposite side of the wheel and the turbine type blades deflect the water sufficiently to provide turning torque for the sprinkler in the opposite direction. The rotating wheel blades interupting the jet flow from the nozzle combined with the wheel configuration shown provide the fundamental design concept to produce specific fine to heavy rain fall spray requirements.

United States Patent Biddle Mar. 18, 1975 RAIN WHEEL Primary ExaminerLloyd L. King [76] Inventor: Milburn Emmett Biddle, 19115 Hartland St., Reseda, Calif. 91335 57 ABSTRACT Filed! p 24, 1973 The Rain Wheel is a water or other liquid sprinkler Appl. No.: 400,230

[52] US. Cl. 239/233 [51] Int. Cl. B05b 3/08 [58] Field 01 Search 239/233, 240, 241, 239, 239/230, 231

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,163,152 12/1915 Howard ..1 239/233 2,986,410 5/1961 Norlandm. 239/233 2,989,248 6/1961 Norland.... 239/233 2,992,780 7/1961 Norland.... 239/233 3,082,958 3/1963 Thomas 239/231 3,244,373 4/1966 Hait 239/233 with selective part or full circle liquid spray coverage. Rotation is accomplished by the combined effect of a turbine type blade wheel, rotating about an eccentric axis. Full or part circle coverage: is accomplished by mechanically sequencing a shuttle into the liquid jet stream resulting in hydraulically switching the cradle and wheel across the jet stream so that the jet impinges upon the opposite side of the wheel and the turbine type blades deflect the water sufficiently to provide turning torque for the sprinkler in the opposite direction. The rotating wheel blades interupting the jet flow from the nozzle combined with the wheel configuration shown provide the fundamental design concept to produce specific fine to heavy rain fall spray requirements.

3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEB NARI 8l975 ShiET 1 [IF 2 FIG.

RAIN WHEEL SUMMARY OF INVENTION The Rain Wheel invention is a water or other liquid sprinkler which has full circle rotation or selective oscillating sweep for part circle spray coverage. Rotation of the sprinkler and the spray characteristics are functions of the wheel design configuration. The selective oscillating sweep cycle is accomplished by a mechanism which rotates the shuttle into the nozzle jet stream at an angle such that the jet stream velocity head forces the shuttle, cradle and wheel across the jet stream, so that the jet stream impinges on a second set of turbine type blades which deflect the liquid at an angle creating a side thrust on the wheel in the opposite direction to that which occurred prior to the shuttle action. This shuttling action occurs at the end of each selective sweep position.

DESCRIPTION OF VIEWS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Rain Wheel illustrating the relative positions of the Rain Wheel detail parts after the selector has been engaged by one of the tabs on the fitting, the shuttle has crossed the water jet rotating the cradle and wheel so that the jet hits the curved blades located on the left hand side of the wheel resulting in clockwise rotation when viewed from above.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the Rain Wheel illustrating the relative directions of rotation of the detail components and deflection of the waterjet by the turbine type blades of the wheel, and

FIG. 3 is the elevation cross section view which calls out the legends.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the details of the drawing FIGS. 2 and 3, a rotary sprinkler head 100 is connected to a water conduit 101 by a fitting 102. A sleeve 103 secured in the sprinkler head 100, rotates freely within the fitting 102. A combination seal and thrust washer 104 made of low friction elastomer or other suitable material is located between the sleeve seal surface 105 and the fitting seal surface 106 and has the dual function of minimizing the external liquid leakage and providing a low friction thrust bearing. The sleeve 103 supplies water from the water conduit 101 to a passage 107 which has its outlet in ajet nozzle 108. The foregoing described structure contains nothing new to the art, the novelty of my invention resides principally in utilizing a dual directional turbine wheel for obtaining directional rotation combined with a hydro-mechanical means for causing the sprinkle head 100 to oscillate back and forth through a preselected angular range of movement. A cradle 109 has restricted rotation around a cylinderical bearing surface 110 and is positioned relative to the sprinkler head 100 by a washer 111. A cradle stop pin 112 secured to the cradle 109 limits the angular and rotation of the cradle 109 as a function of the right hand cradle stop 113 and the left hand cradle stop 114 which are an integral part of the sprinkler head 100. A turbine wheel 115 has a right hand set of blades 116 and a left hand set of blades 117 and is provided with an axle 118 which is eccentrically located relative to the geometrical and mass center of the turbine wheel 115. The turbine wheel 115 is secured to the axle 118 which in turn rotates freely within journal bearing surfaces 119 and 120. A shuttle 121 is journalled in bushing 122 which is secured to or is an integral part of the cradle 109. A selector arm 123 is centered inline with the shuttle 121 and the selector shaft 124 secured by a pin 125 or means which will prevent rotation of the selector arm 123 relative to the shuttle 121 but allow rotation together as an integral part or assembly within bushing 122. The cradle 109 has integral stops, right hand shuttle stops 126 and left hand shuttle stop 127, which limit the angular rotation of the shuttle 121 due to contact with the selector arm stop 128. A right hand selector tab 129 and a left hand selector tab 130 are secured to the fitting 102 by a means which will allow angular adjustment and also provide resistive torque for actuation of the selector arm 123i.

Operation of my invention is as follows:

Liquid under pressure flows from the water conduit 101 through the water passage in the sleeve 103 and passage 107 through the jet nozzle 108. The liquid jet stream 131 from the nozzle 108 impinges on either the right hand set of blades 116 or the left hand set of blades 117 of the turbine wheel 115. When the liquid jet stream 131 impinges upon the right hand set of blades 116 the liquid jet stream 1.31 is deflected to the right and the reaction forces the turbine wheel 115 to move and contact the cradle 109 on the left side of the turbine wheel 115 transmitting a counterclockwise turning force to the cradle 109, through the left hand cradle stop 114 to the sprinkler head 100. This condition results in a potential turning torque for counter clockwise rotation of the sprinkler head 100. The eccentric mounting of the axle 118 :for the turbine wheel 115 results in pulsating reaction forces of variable magnitude which are a function of the location of the liquid jet stream 131 impingement relative to the right hand set of blades 116. The reaction force against the turbine wheel 115 combined with the out of balance rotation of the turbine wheel 115 mass results in pulsating loads in a vertical plane containing the axis of rotation of the sleeve 103 and the sprinkler head 100. The pulsating force results in a continuous cycle of loading and unloading the sleeve seal surface and the fitting seal surface 106 allowing a slight liquid leakage which wets the combination seal and thrust washer 104 reducing coefficent of friction and lowering the rotational torque resistance to a value low enogh to allow the potential turning force created by the liquid jet stream 131 impingining upon the right hand set of blades 116 of the turbine wheel to slowly and periodically rotated the cradle, sprinkler head. 100 and liquid jet stream 131 to move in an arcuant path in the counterclockwise direction of rotation in a complete circle.

Selective part circle liquid spray coverage is accomplished by a hydro-mechanical means for switching the liquid jet stream 131 flow from the right hand set of blades 116 of the turbine wheel 115 to the left and set of blades 117 and vice versa. Rotation of the sprinkler head 100 in a clockwise direction occurs when the liquid jet stream 131 is directed toward the left hand set of blades 117 of the turbine wheel 115. The reaction force of the liquid jet stream 131 forces the turbine wheel 115 to move slightly sideways and contact the cradle 109 on the right side of the turbine wheel 115 transmitting a clockwise turning force to the cradle 109, through the right hand cradle stop 113 to the sprinkler head 100. This condition results in a potential turning torque for clockwise rotation. The right hand selector tab 129 is selectively positioned relative to fitting 102 to engage the selector arm stop 128 near the end of the selected sweep angle and rotate the shutttle 121 in a clockwise direction. When the knife edge of the shuttle engages the liquid jet stream 131 the force of the liquid jet stream 131 rotates the shuttle rapidly in the clockwise direction until limited by engagement of the left hand shuttle stop 127. The liquid jet stream 131 at this instant of time impinges upon the right side of the shuttle 121 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees deflecting the liquid jet stream 131 to the right and the reactive force swings the shuttle 121 and cradle 109 about the cylinderical bearing surface 110 of the sprinkler head 100 in a counterclockwise direction so that the liquid jet stream 131 now impinges upon the right hand set of blades 116 of the turbine wheel 115. The liquid jet stream 131 force on the right hand set of blades 116 continues to rotate the cradle 109 relative to the sprinkler head 100 in a counterclockwise direction until the shuttle 121 does not obstruct the flow of the liquid jet stream 131 and at which time the left hand cradle stop 114 makes contact and transmits potential turning force to the sprinkler head 100 for counterclockwise rotation. counterclockwise rotation of the sprinkler head while discharging liquid in an arcuate path continues until the selector am 123 engages the left hand selector tab 130, at which time the procedure is reversed and the shuttle 121 starts to rotate in a counterclockwise direction relative to the cradle 109. When the knife edge of the shuttle 121 slices the liquid jet stream 131 the force of the liquid jet stream 131 rotates the shuttle rapidly in the clockwise direction until limited by engagement of the right hand shuttle stop 126. The liquid jet stream 131 force on the side of the shuttle 121 transmitted through the bushing 122 ro' tates the cradle 109 in in a clockwise direction relative to the sprinkler head 100 so that now the liquid jet stream 131 directly impinges upon the left hand set of blades 117 ofthe turbine wheel 115 and rotation of the sprinkler head 100 continues in the clockwise direction until the selector arm 123 engages the right hand selector tab 129 and the above procedure is repeated to prodice the oscillating sweep motion selected.

The liquid jet stream 131 is interupted by each of the multiple blades of the turbine wheel 115 to a different degree depending upon the size and shape of the turbine wheel 115, the location of the axle 118 relative to the liquid jet stream 131, and the eccentric location of the axle 118 relative to the geometric center of the turbine wheel 115. Proper selection in the design related to the above parameters results in liquid discharge .characteristics ranging from a fine mist to a heavy droplet rainfall simulation.

Having described my invention what 1 claim as new and desire to protect by letters of patent is:

1. A rotary sprinkler head of the character described consisting of a sprinkler head with an inlet port threaded to accomodate a sleeve, said sprinkler head provided with a fluid fluid passage from said inlet port to a nozzle attached to an outlet port, a support fitting with inlet arranged to be connected to a source of liquid under pressure, said support fitting rotatably re ceiving said sleeve, a washer type combination seal and thrust bearing, two selector tabs angularly adjustable relative to each other and to the support fitting, wherein the improvement comprises a turbine wheel rotating on a horizontal axis and in a vertical plane containing the axis of rotation of said sprinkler head, said turbine wheel provided with a right hand set of turbine blades and a left hand set of turbine wheel blades, said turbine wheel being rotatable on a axle which is located eccentrically relative to said turbine wheels geometrical center or center of mass, said axle being rotatably journalled in a cradle, means to support said cradle and position said turbine wheel relative to the said liquid jet stream flowing from said nozzle, said sprinkler head housing rotatably receiving said cradle, said cradles angular rotation relative to said sprinkler head housing being limited by a mechanical means designed to allow said cradle to swing in one of the limiting conditions of rotation so that the jet stream impingement is directed properly to the said right hand set of turbine blades and in the other limiting condition of rotation the said jet stream impingement is directed properly to the said left hand set of turbine blades of said turbine wheel, a shuttle journalled in a bushing which is secured to or is an integral part of said cradle, a selector arm angularly oriented and secured to said shuttle by a means whereby said selector arm and said shuttle booth rotate together as an integral assembly, said cradle being provided with two mechanical stops designed to limit the angular rotation of said selector arm and said shuttle relative to said cradle and said liquid jet stream and said turbine wheel blades.

2. A sprinkler head according to claim 1, said shuttles side geometrical profile having its center of pressure located between said shuttle axis of rotation and said nozzle, said shuttle stops limiting said shuttles angular travel approximately 45 from each side of a plane including the center of rotation of the said shuttle and the center of rotation of said sprinkler head, two cradle stops limiting said cradle rotation relative to the said sprinkler head to an angular range which provides impingement of said liquid jet stream on the said right hand set of turbine blades in one of the said cradle stop positions and provides impingement of said liquid jet stream upon the said left hand set of turbine blades when the opposite said cradle stop is engaged, said shuttle profile is such that said shuttle does not obstruct the said liquid jet stream flow when cradle stops are engaged.

3. A rotary sprinkler head according to claim 1 simplified to provide continuous rotation in one direction, wherein the improvment comprises a single turbine wheel rotating in a vertical plane containing the axis of rotation of said sprinkler head, said turbine wheel secured to a axle which is located eccentrically relative to said turbine wheels geometrical center or center of mass, said axle is rotatably journalled in said cradle, said cradle is supported by said sprinkler head and a means provided to raise and lower the said axis of rotation of said turbine wheel relative to said liquid jet stream. 

1. A rotary sprinkler head of the character described consisting of a sprinkler head with an inlet port threaded to accomodate a sleeve, said sprinkler head provided with a fluid fluid passage from said inlet port to a nozzle attached to an outlet port, a support fitting with inlet arranged to be connected to a source of liquid under pressure, said support fitting rotatably receiving said sleeve, a washer type combination seal and thrust bearing, two selector tabs angularly adjustable relative to each other and to the support fitting, wherein the improvement comprises a turbine wheel rotating on a horizontal axis and in a vertical plane containing the axis of rotation of said sprinkler head, said turbine wheel provided with a right hand set of turbine blades and a left hand set of turbine wheel blades, said turbine wheel being rotatable on a axle which is located eccentrically relative to said turbine wheel''s geometrical center or center of mass, said axle being rotatably journalled in a cradle, means to support said cradle and position said turbine wheel relative to the said liquid jet stream flowing from said nozzle, said sprinkler head housing rotatably receiving said cradle, said cradle''s angular rotation relative to said sprinkler head housing being limited by a mechanical means designed to allow said cradle to swing in one of the limiting conditions of rotation so that the jet stream impingement is directed properly to the said right hand set of turbine blades and in the other limiting condition of rotation the said jet stream impingement is directed properly to the said left hand set of turbine blades of said turbine wheel, a shuttle journalled in a bushing which is secured to or is an integral part of said cradle, a selector arm angularly oriented and secured to said shuttle by a means whereby said selector arm and said shuttle booth rotate together as an integral assembly, said cradle being provided with two mechanical stops designed to limit the angular rotation of said selector arm and said shuttle relative to said cradle and said liquid jet stream and said turbine wheel blades.
 2. A sprinkler head according to claim 1, said shuttle''s side geometrical profile having its center of pressure located between said shuttle axis of rotation and said nozzle, said shuttle stops limiting said shuttle''s angular travel approximately 45* from each side of a plane including the center of rotation of the said shuttle and the center of rotation of said sprinkler head, two cradle stops limiting said cradle rotation relative to the said sprinkler head to an angular range which provides impingement of said liquid jet stream on the said right hand set of turbine blades in one of the said cradle stop positions and provides impingement of said liquid jet stream upon the said left hand set of turbine blades when the opposite said cradle stop is engaged, said shuttle profile is such that said shuttle does not obstruct the said liquid jet stream flow when cradle stops are engaged.
 3. A rotary sprinkler head according to claim 1 simplified to provide continuous rotation in one direction, wherein the improvment comprises a single turbine wheel rotating in a vertical plane containing the axis of rotation of said sprinkler head, said turbine wheel secured to a axle which is located eccentrically relative to said turbine wheel''s geometrical center or center of mass, said axle is rotatably journalled in said cradle, said cradle is supported by said sprinkler head and a means provided to raise and lower the said axis of rotation of said turbine wheel relative to said liquid jet stream. 